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5l?e U/izard Series. 






HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 




EDY IN FOUR ACTS. 

^CHARACTERS.) 
BY 

T HOUSE. 



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7 Bible House, 

P. O. Box 1870. NEW YORK. 



Copyright iSgg, by the Roxbury Pub, Co, 



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5l?e li/izard Series. 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY 



COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS. 

(MALE CHARACTERS.) 

BY , 

RUPERT HOUSE. 



Price, 30 Cents. 

in order to save the troublesome copying of parts, 
Five Copies are Sold for $1.00. 



The purchase of this play includes permission for performance 
by amateurs ; for performance on the professional stage arrange-- 
ments must be made with the publishers . 



THE ROXBURY PUBLISHING COMPANY, 
7 Bible House, 

P. 0. Box 1870- NEW YORK. 

Copyright 1S99, hy the Roxbury Pub. Co. 



^1" 



28471 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

COMEDY IN FOUR ACTS. 

(for male characters only.) 



RUPERT HOUSE. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS: 

Me. Strong, retired gentleman. 

Charles, his nephew. 

Harry, Charles' friend. 

Mr. Adams, ) Of the firm Adams & Buckley, 

Mr. Buckley, j Charles' employers, 

1. Customer. 

2. Customer. 
A Physician. 
A Policeman. 

") Acts 1 and 4 — Mr. Strong's room. 
Place or Action: vAct 2 — Adams & Buckley's store. 
) Act 3 — Garden. 



ACT I. 



SCENE I. 

(Charles and Harry seated at table.) 

HARRY (finishing his cup of coffee) — Now then, it is 
time for me to be going. (Rises.) 

CHARLES — Have another cup, and wait until Uncle's 
return, at least, — then you can see for yourself that he 
looks anything but well. 



4 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

HARRY — I cannot wait. In the meantime, you will 
kindly remember me to him. I have previously remarked 
that you are unnecessarily worried about him. At any 
rate, take my advice, and do not intimate your fears to 
him. 

CHARLES — Why not? I am interested in him. Sup- 
pose he should question me to that effect? 

HARRY — Even in that case it will not be well to express 
your opinion. People do not like to hear the truth, when 
it is of an unpleasant nature. 

CHARLES (rising) — Harry, you wouldn't advise me to 
become a liar and hypocrite. You know my motto, "Hon- 
esty is the best policy." 

HARRY (laughing) — My dear man, you just practice 
your motto till you go to your grave, — then you will be the 
happy possessor of nothing, — you will receive nothing, — 
and nobody will want anything of you. 

CHARLES— Nonsense ! 

HARRY— Wait, and you will see! 

CHARLES — My motto is all right, however you may rid- 
icule it, and I shall stick to it. 

HARRY (putting on his gloves) — That's right,— live up 
to it, and your conscience will never disturb your slum- 
bers. But take my word for it, you will be disappointed 
and suffer wrong many a time, if you are going to carry 
that principle with you through life. 

CHARLES — Very well; I am prepared for all sorts of 
evil consequences, but nothing shall ever make me flinch 
from the truth. I cannot understand how you can make 
such an assertion. How can honesty, sincerity and truth 
be the cause of mischief? Never! 

HARRY — And yet it is so. The world wants to be de- 
ceived, so let it be deceived. Bitter experience will teach 
you wisdom. (Takes his hat.) 

CHARLES— I should like to know what harm could 
possibly come to me if I always admit the truth. You 
cannot scare me. 

HARRY — Do you ask what harm could come to you? 
I am not a prophet, but I will say this: If you, Charles 
Strong, Mr. Strong's nephew and future heir, the affianced 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 5 

of pretty and lovely Miss Grace Sage, chief clerk of Adams 
& Buckley 

CHARLES (impatiently)— Rubbish! 

HARRY — I say, if you were to risk, say, for eight con- 
secutive days, to tell the plain truth, without discrimina- 
tion, you will find yourself disowned and disinherited by 
your uncle, — discharged by your employers, — and even 
dear Grace would give you the walking-papers. 

CHARLES (laughing, drops into a chair) — That beats 
all. You ought to go and establish a shop for fortune- 
telling. 

HARRY — Gently, my boy, I will predict even more: If 
you continue to be such a stickler for truth, you, Charlie 
Strong, will be finally arrested as a fit subject for a lunatic 
asylum. 

CHARLES (rising) — Enough of nonsense. Do you take 
me for a fool. 

HARRY— That remains to be seen. I propose a wager 
that my prediction will come true. If I lose, I shall invite 
you to a fine supper and a seat in the opera. If you lose, 
I am your guest. How is that? (Offers his hand.) 

CHARLES — I ought not to do it, because I am convinced 
that you will be the loser. (Takes his hand.) Not for the 
sake of the money, but in order to defend the much- 
abused Truth, will I take this wager. When shall we be- 
gin the experiment? 

HARRY— At once, if you like. It will be proven so 
much the sooner, who of us is right, and who is wrong. 
(Looks at his watch.) It is nine now. Your uncle will 
come to breakfast presently, so you can begin to talk truth 
at once, and you must continue talking truth, and nothing 
but the naked truth, for eight days, unless you are con- 
victed of insanity before then. 

CHARLES — Don't worry; I am sure of victory. Good- 
bye! 

HARRY— Good-bye! I wish you good success. Of 
course the matter is between us. (Exit.) 

CHARLES— That is understood. (Alone.) Such a silly 
wager has undoubtedly never before been made. Well, 
Harry doesn't want better. He will have to pay for his 
rashness. Ah, here comes uncle, 



R HONEBTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

SCENE II. 

(Mr. Strong. Charles.) 

MR. STRONG (wearing dressing gown and cap) — Good 
morning, Charles. 

CHARLES— Good morning, dear uncle. How do you 
feel? 

MR. STRONG — How are you, Charles. (Is seated.) This 
third cup tells me you had company. 

CHARLES — My friend, Harry was here; he wished to be 
remembered, as he could not stay any longer. (Is seated.) 

MR. STRONG! — Thank you. (Drinks coffee.) Did you 
sleep well, Charles? 

CHARLES — Not very well; I had a headache. 

MR. STRONG— Incredible! A headache at your age? 
What airs young people put on nowadays! When I was 
your age, I was hardly conscious of having a head, except 
when I combed my hair. And that is the case to this day. 
Look at me, don't I look hale and hearty, in spite of my 
years? 

CHARLES — It appears to me that you are not looking 
real well, uncle. 

MR. STRONG— What? I not look well? I am in the 
best of health, if you please! 

CHARLES — You look too stout — too full-blooded, — and 
for that reason 

MR. STRONG— And for that reason I am likely to have 
a stroke of apoplexy; — is that what you wish to say? 

CHARLES— That is it, uncle. 

MR. STRONG (strikes table violently)— You be hanged! 
How dare you tell me anything like that to my face? 

CHARLES — You asked me, uncle, and I told you the 
truth. 

MR. STRONG — But it isn't at all considerate of you. I 
half imagine you would like to see me dead. 

CHARLES — No, uncle, I assure you, I should mourn 
your loss sincerely, if perhaps not excessively. 

MR. STRONG — Not excessively perhaps? Just listen 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 7 

to my gentle nephew! Ah, but you would, perhaps, bo 
pleased about the fat inheritance? 

CHARLES— Yes, uncle. 

MR. STRONG (jumps up)— This is too much. You are 
getting worse all the time! One insult after the other. 
(Steps up to Charles.) What is the meaning of this, sir? 

CHARLES— Nothing; except that I want to tell the 
truth. Neither fear nor favor can keep me from telling it. 

MR. STRONG (laughing)— Ah, there's light on the sub- 
ject now. You simply said this all in fun, to amuse your 
uncle, did you not, Charles? 

CHARLES — Not by any means. I was in downright 
earnest when I said it. 

MR. STRONG— What? Are you serious? Good heavens, 
you are not (motions with finger towards forehead; then 
takes hold of Charles' hand, and looks into his eyes.) My 
dear young man, you must have been working too hard. 
Those monstrous books and- figures are bothering your 
head and .distracting your thoughts. 'Now, aren't they? 

CHARLES— No, uncle, although my head is fatigued by 
the work, my thoughts are very clear. 

MR. STRONG — What? Your mind clear! Then I am 
to consider all that you have said, — an expression of your 
sentiments? 

CHARLES— Exactly, uncle. 

MR. STRONG — Then listen to me, man; if you are not 
insane, you are the vilest, most ungrateful creature the 
sun shines upon. Tell me, have you forgotten all the 
kindness I have bestowed upon you? 

CHARLES— Certainly not, uncle. 

MR. STRONG — That I took you into my house when you 
were a forsaken orphan? 

CHARLES— No, uncle; I think of it every day. 

MR. STRONG — And that I cared for you, like a father 
for his only son, — have you forgotten all that? 

CHARLES— No, uncle. 

MR. STRONG — If you remember all that, Charles, you 
certainly would be disconsolate if I should die; wouldn't 
you? 



8 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

CHARLES— No, uncle, I would not, because no young 
man grieves himself to death upon the demise of an uncle. 

MR. STRONG — Young man, take that hack, or — 

CHARLES — I can not, because I speak the truth. 

MR. STRONG (furious) — Indeed, young man, you 
speak the truth. Then listen to my orders: You will 
leave my house at once; you may send for your effects. 
Never come into my sight again, ungrateful creature! 
You shall not get one cent of my money! 

CHARLES— But Uncle 

MR. STRONG (takes hold of him by the arm)— Enough 
of this; I don't want to hear another word from you. 
Begone, you viper, that has drunk my heart's blood! 
(Puts him out.) 

(CURTAIN.) 

ACT II. 

STORE. — In the center a counter, dry goods and a yard- 
stick upon it. Charles is seated behind it, resting 
his head upon hand. . 



Charles (sighing heavily)— It is dreadful, — dreadful! 
Who would have thought it? Turned out and disinherited 
by uncle — and yet I have always loved him as I would love 
a father — have never consciously offended him; and now 
he treats me thus; why? simply because I have candidly 
and sincerely told him the truth. In truth, it almost 
seems that Harry is right in saying that the world wishes 
to be deceived. Be that as it may, for my part, I shall 
not deceive; Fidelity and Honesty shall be my principle, 
happen what may. (Begins measuring goods with yard- 
stick.) 

SCENE II. 

(Charles and Mr. Buckley.) 

MR. BUCKLEY (wearing pen over his ear)— Ah, there 
you are at last. I looked for you before this, Why are 
you so lat;e to-day? 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 9 

CHARLES — I beg your pardon, Mr. Buckley, it was on 
account of my uncle. 

MR. BUCKLEY— Is your uncle ill? 

CHARLES — No, but it appears to me that he is going to 
take sick. 

MR. BUCKLEY — That is rather a poor excuse for being 
late. I hope you are not telling me an untruth! 

CHARLES— Mr. Buckley, you know that I never tell an 
untruth. 

MR. BUCKLEY— For what reason did your uncle detain 
you so long? 

CHARLES— He did not detain me. 

MR. BUCKLEY— I do declare! Explain yourself. 

CHARLES — My uncle has forbidden me the house. 

MR. BUCKLEY— How? Wha— at is that? , 

CHARLES — I have been thrown out of the house and 
disowned for telling the truth. 

MR. BUCKLEY— Is it possible? What wrong have 
you done? 

CHARLES — It is my opinion that I have done no 
wrong. I told him the truth when I intimated that he 
isn't looking very well. 

MR. BUCKLEY— That was not prudent. It isn't al- 
ways well, nor necessary, to tell people the truth to their 
face. Here is some one. I will see you later. (Exit.) 



(First Customer and Charles.) 

1. CUSTOMER— Good day! 

CHARLES— Good day, sir. What can I do for you? 

CUSTOMER — I want some handkerchiefs similar to 
those in the show-case. 

CHARLES — Very well. (Offers some for selection.) 
Kindly select. 

CUSTOMER— Can I rely upon them as fast color? 

CHARLES— No, no, sir— they fade. 



10 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

CUSTOMER— Why, you have labeled them "fast color" 
— have you not? 

CHARLES — Yes, but people who have purchased them 
have made complaints. 

CUSTOMER— Really? But how can you sell goods for 
something which they are not? 

CHARLES— You are right; that ought not to be. 



SCENE IV. 

(Charles, Mr. Buckley and Customer.) 

CUSTOMER— Then why don't you remove the false 
labels? 

MR. BUCKLEY (hastily entering from the right)— How? 
Have these labels not yet been removed? Remove them 
at once! They got there by mistake, sir; we never sell 
goods for fast colors unless we are sure that they will 
retain their color. Can I do anything else for you? 

CUSTOMER — Not anything for the present; later, per- 
haps. (Exit.) 

MR. BUCKLEY (sternly, to Charles, who is removing 
labels) — Just leave the labels where they are. What is 
the matter with you? How dare you tell anything of the 
kind to customers? I heard it all. 

CHARLES — Then you probably know that I said noth- 
ing but the truth. 

MR. BUCKLEY — You make me tired with your truth. 
It is stupidity — the height of stupidity. Let people find 
out themselves whether the colors are fast or not? 

CHARLES — But it would have been at a loss to this 
man. 

MR. BUCKLEY— What is that to you? I advise you 
earnestly not to play us another such foolish trick, or we 
shall have to do without you, you blockhead. (Exit ex- 
citedly to the right.) 

CHARLES (alone) — Here I am charged with having 
played a foolish trick for having admitted the truth. 
That is a fine mixing up of ideas. (Thoughtful) I fear 
the experiment will not turn out well. 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 11 

SCENE V. 

2. CUSTOMER— I should like to look at the silk you 
have advertised. Will you kindly let me have a sample? 

CHARLES — With pleasure; one moment! (Gets a piece 
of the goods and places it upon table.) There, sir. 

CUSTOMER— Is this French silk? 

CHARLES— N No! 

CUSTOMER— What? Why, you have marked it so. 
How do you explain this? 

CHARLES — Yes, it is marked so, but 

CUSTOMER— What do you mean? Is it possibly a 
mistake ? 

CHARLES— I don't believe it. The labels have been 
put on purposely. 

CUSTOMER — I see; simply an inducement to deceive 
the public. This is a fine business house — a veritable 
gang of swindlers. You shall never see me here again, 
and I shall certainly warn my friends. (Exit.) 
(Mr. Buckley and Mr. Adams enter in haste from the 
right.) 

MR. BUCKLEY— Man! Confound you! Have you lost 
your mind? Do you wish to ruin us? 

MR. ADAMS (stammering) — Y y you st— 

st — stup — stupid ass, are driving away all our cus — cus — 
tomers ! 

MR. BUCKLEY— What is the meaning of your actions? 
Explain yourself! 

MR. ADAMS — Yes, yes; ex— x — pi — plain yourself! 

CHARLES — I was asked and answered the truth. 

MR. BUCKLEY— Be hanged with your truth! You are 
mad, crazy, insane! We have no use for lunatics here! 
Leave our -house instantly! There is the door! 

MR. ADAMS (grasping yard-stick, threateningly) — Yes, 
at on — on — ce! 

CHARLES (taking his hat)— But, sirs, I beg of you 

MR. BUCKLEY— Not another word; go, get out! 

MR. ADAMS— Yes, g— g— get out! (Both put him out) 
(CURTAIN.) 



12 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

ACT III. 

Woods or garden. A bench. 



CHARLES (entering slowly from the right, sits down, 
dejectedly) — I want rest. This aimless wandering about 
is tiresome. I shall not return to the city until dark, so 
that no one may know of my wretched condition. My 
God, what has befallen me! Disowned by my uncle — dis- 
charged by the firm — and, worst of all, faithlessly for- 
saken by the one who had pledged herself to marry me. 
How can I bear these blows, my brains are burning with 
fever. (Supports head with hand.) 



(Harry. Charles.) 

HARRY (coming from the left)— Hello! Why, there is 
the lost son, a martyr for truth and honesty. (Touches 
Charles upon the shoulder.) Hello, old fellow! What 
difficult problem are you about to solve? 

CHARLES (looking up)— Ah, it is you, Harry! How 
fortunate to meet you! I am miserably unhappy, 
wretched. 

HARRY— I believe it, my honest friend, but you would 
not listen, so you must take the consequences. 

CHARLES — Do you know the misfortunes that have 
befallen me? 

HARRY — Certainly, I know you have been disowned 
by your uncle — discharged by your employers, as I said 
you would, and the rest will undoubtedly follow: I mean, 
your dear Grace will break the engagement. 

CHARLES (ironically) — My dear Grace? She, has done 
so already, the faithless woman! 

HARRY— What? Has it really come to this? 

CHARLES (takes a ring from his vest pocket) — Here 
is the engagement ring, which she threw at my feet. 

HARRY — Well, Charles, I must admit you are going 
fast. I allowed you eight days, and you accomplish it 
in one. Now tell me about your affair with Grace. Per- 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 13 

haps you have been telling her some of your truth! (Sits 
down besides Charles.) 

CHARLES — Yes, she was only too ready to jilt me, 
and all on account of my love of truth. I hastened to 
her for comfort in my distress, and told her what, had 
happened at home and at business. 

HARRY— You don't tell me! That was undoubtedly 
more honest than prudent. But continue! 

CHARLES — I didn't know how to account for Grace's 
remarkable coolness. 

HARRY— Holy Simplicity! 

CHARLES — And when I made a remark about this 
want of sympathy she even reproached me for my foolish 
and imprudent actions. 

HARRY— And I don't blame her! 

CHARLES — I endeavored to exonerate myself, but all 
in vain. She wanted me to promise that I would act more 
sensible in the future — that is, not make "bad breaks," 
as she put it, everywhere and at all times, — or we could 
not possibly get along in life. 

HARRY — I assure you, Charles, the girl has a level 
head; she realizes that one cannot live on love and truth 
alone. Well, did you promise? 

CHARLES— What a question? It was entirely against 
my principles to make such a promise. Then she called 
me a fool, and ungrateful, and told me that I had never 
loved her; and, throwing the ring at my feet, she left me. 
It is outrageous how sincerity and honesty are rewarded! 

HARRY — Really, Charles, I pity you — to lose an in- 
heritance, a position, and your affianced — and all in the 
space of a few hours. That is a bitter dose — but for the 
present I cannot help you ; you must drain the cup to the 
last drop — in order to be cured. 

(Both get up.) 

CHARLES — Isn't this enough misfortune? 

HARRY (lightly) — You know the terms of my wager 
require that you land finally in an insane asylum as your 
reward for indiscriminately telling people unpleasant 
truths. 



14 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

CHARLES— Such will never be the case. It is im- 
possible! 

HARRY — Gently, friend — you don't know the world. 
Never praise the day before the evening. 

CHARLES — There is no danger of my praising this day. 

HARRY — I really didn't expect that. So much less as 
I am sure that you will be captured as a fit subject for 
the lunatic asylum before evening — that is, if they find 
you. 

CHARLES — For heaven's sake! You must be joking? 
I am as sane as you are. 

HARRY — Admitted ; but allow me to finish. Your uncle 
has watched your actions, and after considering your 
achievements of this one day has come to the conclusion 
that you are not responsible. (Points to forehead.) 

CHARLES — But I have assured him of the contrary. 

HARRY (laughing)— All the insane do that. But listen. 
Then he went to your employers, and was confirmed in 
his opinion by their report of you. 

CHARLES-— That is ridiculous! 

HARRY — Still more: your employers thought you had 
a screw loose, too. 

CHARLES— The villains. 

HARRY — Still more: your young lady told you to your 
very face that you must have lost your mind. 

CHARLES — She was excited when she said that, but 

HARRY — Let me finish! The whole world is convinced 
that young Mr. Strong's mind is unbalanced. 

CHARLES— The fools! They certainly never had a 
mind to lose. 

HARRY— They fear you will do some harm, perhaps to 
yourself — and so it is possible that they will hunt you up 
and consign you to safe quarters. 

CHARLES— I tell you when I recall all that I have 
gone through to-day, I really believe it possible for that 
to happen, too. What do you advise me to do? 

HARRY— Nothing at all; just let things take their 
course. 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. & 

CHARLES— And calmly submit to being taken care of? 
But what then ? 

HARRY— Leave that to me. I shall make my appear- 
ance at the right time, and straighten up matters satis- 
factorily. But upon my word! There is your uncle. I 
am going. Remember our wager !-(laughing)-and your 
motto! (Exit to right.) 

CHARLES (sits down and buries head in both hands)— 
These are bitter, painful experiences. Who would have 
thought it? 



SCENE III. 



(The elder Mr. Strong and police enter stealthily from 
left.) 

MR. STRONG (enters first and, ^^r^ve tound 

lice )_s ; here he is! Thank god that we have W 

him at last! My, but he looks wild! You can see from 
distance that he has gone stark mad (Calls mm.j 
Charles, my poor boy, here is your uncle! 

CHARLES (jumping up)-My dear uncle, I am pleased 
to see you. 

MR STRONG (aside to policeman)-Make bast e, so 
that he does not escape. (To Charles.) Poor hoy, how 
are vou ? 

CHARLES— My dear uncle, I am so " (The officer 

slipl a ripe about his arms, from the rear ) What is this? 
What do you mean? Release me at once! Uncle, help 

m6 MR STRONG— Just keep quiet, dear boy. Everything 
win be fofyouToest. Follow this gentleman; no harm 
shall come to you. 

POLICE-Yes, come along; resistance is of no avail. 

CHARLES-But for the Lord's sake, what do you mean 
to do? Has the world gone crazy? 

soon. I shall hurry to get the wagon. (Exit.) 

POLICE (drawing him by rope)-Come, come, let us be 
off! I see people coming this way. 



16 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

CHARLES— And has it come to this? Captured and 
secured like a lunatic. It is terrific! (Exit both.) 

(CURTAIN.) 
ACT IV. 



MR. STRONG'S APARTMENT.— Charles reclines on a 
sofa, his hands and feet tied. Not far distant his 
uncle, Messrs. Buckley & Adam's, as also a physician 
surround him. 

MR. STRONG — Poor boy! how I sympathize with him. 
If only he understood one word of what I say! 

CHARLES — Harry will soon be here; he will tell you 
all. 

MR. STRONG — The same fixed idea; that is all that he 
has been repeating. Doctor, what is your opinion of him? 

PHYSICIAN (looks at Charles, feels his pulse, raises 
shoulders, and shakes head) — I do not care to express my 
opinion until I hear of the patient's actions to-day. Mr. 
Strong, will you kindly tell me whether you noticed any- 
thing pecular in your nephew's manner of acting before 
he left you this morning. 

MR. STRONG — Doctor, when I first saw him this morn- 
ing, in this room, he had such a peculiar expression about 
the mouth; He complained of a headache, too. Then he 
got furious — said it was a matter of indifference to him, 
whether I died that very minute, and then ran off like one 
possessed of the devil. 

PHYSICIAN— That is dreadful! And how did young 
Strong impress you, gentlemen? 

MR. BUCKLEY— Judging from his actions, I must ar- 
rive at the conclusion that he is not sane. 

MR. ADAMS — Yes, in — n — d — deed; he must toe to — to — 
total — ly cr razy. 

PHYSICIAN— What did he do? What did he say? 

MR. BUCKLEY — Why, he drove away our customers 
by his strange manner. 

MR. ADAMS — H — he c — cal — led us vil — 1 — lains and 
fr rauds. (Makes a fist at Charles.) 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 17 

PHYSICIAN— Horrible! 

MR. STRONG— The poor boy didn't know what he 
was saying. 

MR. BUCKLEY— When I reproached him for it, he made 
an attempt to strike me with the yard-stick. 

MR. ADAMS — And h — he thr — threw me d — down, and 
j — j — jumped over me. (Charles attempts to get up; all 
step back frightened. Charles laughs.) 

MR. BUCKLEY— The malicious fool is laughing at the 
tricks he has played us. I believe he would do us some 
deadly injury had he the power. 

MR. ADAMS — L — look out f — for him, h — he at— temp — 
p. — ted to ta — ke his br — bride's 1 — life. 

MR. STRONG— What is that? 

PHYSICIAN— Terrible! 

MR. BUCKLEY— Yes, it is dreadful! The poor child 
came to the store, and told us all, shedding bitter tears. 
He attempted to stab her with a knife. But she escaped 
and cried for help. 

CHARLES (attempts to get up)— You scoundrels, that's 
a confounded lie! 

MR. ADAMS (frightened)— H—h— help! He is gr— ar- 
rowing violent! 

MR. STRONG — What is your opinion, doctor? Is it safe 
to keep him here? 

PHYSICIAN — Under no circumstances! He must be 
taken to an asylum, as soon as possible; before his violence 
reaches its climax. The conveyance is waiting at the 
door; in the meantime, I will write his ticket of admission. 
(Is seated at the table in the act of writing.) 

CHARLES (attempts to rise) — This is ridiculous; if only 
Harry would come. 

MR. STRONG (approaching him) — Just be calm, 
Charles; these gentlemen and I will take you to Harry. 

MR. BUCKLEY— He won't go. 

MR. ADAMS— I,w— wi— 11 gr— ab him by the 1—1— legs, 
th — at he m — may not b — b — ite. (Going for Charles.) 

PHYSICIAN (turning)— Be careful, gentlemen! 



18 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 



(The same. Harry.) 

HARRY (entering hastily) — Ah, here he is; poor, dear 
boy! What is this? Tied like a wild animal! Wait, I 
will release you! (Begins to untie rope.) 

MR. STRONG— Stop! Stop! 

MR. BUCKLEY— Why, he is violently insane! (They 
try to hold Harry back.) 

MR. ADAMS— Oh g— gracious— I am of off! 

(Hurries out.) 

PHYSICIAN (jumping up to Harry)— Sir, what are you 
doing? There will be a catastrophe. Back! 

MR. STRONG— He must remain tied! 

HARRY — Nonsense! Your nephew is as sane as you 
and I; take my word for it! (Unties rope.) 

MR. STRONG — You don't know what has happened! 
The poor fellow is stark mad! 

HARRY (laughing) — Speak for yourself, Charles; are 
you? 

CHARLES — You know better than that; explain the 
whole matter to the gentlemen. (Buries face in his hands.) 

HARRY — Yes, gentlemen, I can throw light on this 
tragi-comedy. Listen: This morning I made a bet with 
my friend Charles, that he couldn't possibly tell the 
straightforward truth at all times, and everywhere, with- 
out encountering the most disagreeable experiences. Is 
it not so, Charles? 

CHARLES (without raising head)— It is so! 

HARRY — The test has gone beyond my expectations, 
and my predictions have been realized. In consequence 
of his candor and honesty, he was disowned by you, Mr. 
Strong — discharged bj you, Mr. Buckley — estranged from 
his fiancee— and you, Doctor, were about to consign him 
to an insane asylum. (Laughing.) I have won the bet, 
have I not, gentlemen? 

PHYSICIAN (taking his hat, with offended air)— In that 
event, my presence is not required. (Threatening.) I 
shall not forget this insult to my profession. (Exit.) 



HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 19 

MR. STRONG — Good gracious! I hope the doctor hasn't 
reference to me. I am innocent of the whole business. 

CHARLES (rising) — I think, uncle, we are all partly in 
fault — I as well as Harry, yourself and Mr. Buckley. 

HARRY (laughing) — That is undoubtedly the case. 

MR. STRONG— I fail to understand you, Charles. Ex- 
plain yourself. 

MR. BUCKLEY— Yes, I want an explanation, too. 

CHARLES— You shall have it. You, Mr. Buckley, con- 
firmed my uncle and the doctor in their suspicion that I 
was insane. 

MR. STRONG — So you deceived me. 

MR. BUCKLEY— Gentlemen 

CHARLES— Allow me to finish. The truth is, that I 
informed several customers that the goods were not what 
they were marked, in consequence of which they did not 
want these goods. You are at liberty to denounce me 
for that, Mr. Buckley. 

MR. BUCKLEY — I consider it beneath my dignity to 
have any more words with you. (Exit.) 

HARRY (laughing) — He will refrain from taking his 
case to court, for fear of having his fraudulent transac- 
tions exposed. 

CHARLES — He would, of course, have preferred to see 
me put up as a' lunatic. 

MR. STRONG — Poor fellow; you have gone through a 
lot of trouble. I suppose the report concerning your 
assault upon Grace was false, too. 

CHARLES — So it was; we had a falling out, that's all. 

MR. STRONG (shaking his fist threateningly in direc- 
tion of door) — The rascals! The liars! 

HARRY — Of what do they accuse you, then? 

CHARLES— That I attempted to murder her. Ridic- 
ulous! 

MR. STRONG— Just to think of it. They assured the 
doctor and myself that Charles attempted murder. 

HARRY— The noble souls! Well, Charles, I have just 
come from your affianced, and have explained the whole 
case. She is more than willing to make up with you. 



20 HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY. 

CHARLES — You are a true friend, indeed. But of What 
use is that to me — since I have neither position nor fortune 
any more? 

MR. STRONG — Ridiculous! Am I not your uncle? You 
shall have both. I shall forget this morning's occurrence, 
for I was a trifle hasty myself. 

HARRY— Bravo, Mr. Strong! that's right. 

CHARLES— Uncle, you really will forgive me? Then 
I am happy; you know I did not mean to offend you. All 
that I said was, that I wouldn't grieve myself to death 
if you should die. Do not take it amiss; but your un- 
grounded fears tempted you to exaggerate the case, when 
reporting to the doctor. 

MR. STRONG— Undoubtedly! I did wrong. But let us 
forgive and forget. Shake hands. (Offers hand.) 

HARRY— Stop! Forgive, but do not forget all! 

MR. STRONG (surprised, to Charles)— What does he 
mean? 

CHARLES — Ah, I know; he has reference to the moral 
of the story. 

HARRY — Exactly! Remember, it is not prudent to 
always sputter out the truth, where there is no necessity 
for it. 

MR. STRONG — I agree with you. It is particularly the 
case when the truth is unpleasant, because many times 
the world wants to be deceived. 

HARRY — And yet another thing: you lost the bet, so 
I am going to be your guest some convenient evening. 

CHARLES — I assure yon, I am more than willing to 
pay for the experience. 

MR. STRONG— Leave that to me! I'll attend to that 
on the condition that I am a party to the agreement. 

CHARLES— With pleasure, Uncle. 

HARRY — I shall be more than pleased, Mr. Strong. 
(Both offer hand.) 

CHARLES — Uncle, you are a noble man. 

HARRY— That's telling the truth at the right time. 

(CURTAIN.) 



A WHITE LIE. Comedy In Two Acts for Young Ladies. By ELLA 
KEATINGE. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five Copies for $i.oo. 

Characters 

Mrs. Margaret Payne. * Mademoiselle de Bassano. 

Laura. Her Daughter. # A Teacher of French. 

Mrs. Margaret Andrews. 5 Mme. Jones, A Dressmaker. 

Florence, Her Daughter. % Mary, Mrs. Payne's Maid. 

Florence is led into telling a " White I^ie " in excuse for not having 
done her French exercise. In consequence she is forced in a manner 
most amusing for the audience, but most perplexing for Florence, to 
tell a number of untruths to guard against being found out, placing 
herself in the most ludicrous positions, with disastrous consequences. 
Mademoiselle de Bassano's part is much intermixed with French. A 
refined and most enjoyable play. 

CARNIVAL; or, Matdi Gras in New Orleans. 

Comedy in One Act for Young Ladies. Adapted from the French by 
DOROTHY REYNARTZ. Price, per Copy. 30 cents. Five Copies 
for $1.00. 

Characters 

MRS. Smith, Washerwoman. .* Alice, I _ v.. ,_, „ _» 

_ urxt-x * d ,.„ 1 Fashionable Young Ladles. 

Emily, Her Daughter. •? Bessie, > * 

Mrs. Allison. % Priscilla.1 _,. , „,.. 

Nellie, Her Daughter. % Cornelia. / Elder,y Ma,ds ' 

In order to swell their scant income, Emily persuades her mother 
to let their room to strangers coming to town to see the festivities 
She receives more demands for her room than anticipated and their 
one room is in the course of events let to different parties at once. The 
complications arising when the various parties arrive to take posses- 
sion and to retire for the night, are very laughable. 

FLIRTATION CURED. Farce Comedy in One Act (Male 
Characters.) By FRANCIS LESTER. Price, per Copy. 30 cents. 
Five Copies for $1.00. 

Characters 

* r-.,. , i^' j £ Bernard, "1 

Meyer, An Elderly Dude. | pA I >s 

ASHLEY, Dent.st. I Jqhn> j 

Meyer has been annoying Ashley's daughter by persistent attempts 
to flirt with her. Acting under instructions her servants lure the un- 
fortunate Meyer, who is made to believe that he is going to a rendez- 
vous with her, into her father's office. Ashley, ignorant of all this, sees 
in Meyer's protestations nothing but a fidgety patient, and succeeds in 
extracting some of Meyer's teeth in spite of all resistance. The play is 
uproariously funny. 



THE LAST GOAT. Comedy In One Act. (Male Characters.) 
By JOHN EDGCOME. Price, per Copy, 30 sents. Five Copies 
for $1.00. 

CHARACTERS 

Thomas Dana, Painter. £ Wolfgang Goeth, Poet 

Richard Wagneer, Musician. £ Jones, Landlord. 
Isaac, Old Clothes Dealer. 
Three young artists in reduced circumstances find themselves 3t 
last without even a penny to buy some food. Their efforts to obtain 
some edibles on credit end disastrously. Isaac appears as helping 
hand, and each of the three without knowledge of the others, sells his 
coat to him. When they meet in their shirt sleeves, an invitation arrive? 
from a wealthy man who offers them his protection. The way how 
they get to their coats is very entertaining. 

A CUP OF COFFEE Comedy in one Act for Young Ladies, 
by DOROTHY REYNARTZ. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five 
Copies for. $1.00. 

CHARACTERS 

Mrs. Mathilda Ryan. 4| A Peddler-woman. 

Mrs. Rose O'Brien. -j| A Lady, Collector for Aid Society. 

Alice, Mathilda's Friend. % Another Lady. 

Jennie, Mathilda's Maid. % A Cobbler's Wife. 

Two Children. 

Mathilda returning home finds that Alice has sent her some genu- 
ine Mocha-Coffee. She has at once some prepared, but is prevented 
from enjoying it by a succession of annoying callers, presenting very 
funny incidents. When at last relieved of all unwelcome company, 
another disappointment awaits her in place of the anticipated delec- 
tation. A number of really enjoyable scenes are woven around the 
plot. 

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND, comedy 

In one Act for Young Ladles. By DOROTHY REYNARTZ. Price, 
per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies for 50 cents. 

Characters 

GRACE, Age x6,) Sisters> 
Esther, Age 18, > 
Hazel, Chambermaid. 

Grace is a spoiled child with a good heart, who responds to the advice 
of her elder sister with stubbornness, At length she repents and is for- 
given. A thoroughly enjoyable play, affording splendid opportunity 
for emotional acting, especially in Grace's part. 



TWO MOTHERS* Drama in Four Acts, by DOROTHY REY- 
NARTZ. Price, per Copy, 35 cents. Seven Copies for $1.50. 

4 Characters 

Hildegard, countess of Taunberg, & Christina,] Young girls, serving Jn 
A Widow. •£ Agnes, J Castle Taunberg. 

Adelheid, Her Daughter. f The Blessed Virgin. 

Elizabeth, Hildegard, Sister. I ^Tof Tunis. 

Margaret, Wife of the Bailiff of | ^^ HER CouRT Ladies 

Castle Taunberg. § servant Girls, Court-Ladies, 

Bertha, Her Daughter. |» Etc. 

Adelheid, accompanied by Bertha, goes with many other young 
girls on a pilgrimage to the shrine of Our I<ady of I^oretto. While at 
sea the girls are captured by African pirates, and given over to the 
Queen of Tunis. The Queen sets them all free with the exception of 
Adelheid, whose devotion to, and trust in, the Blessed Virgin angers the 
Queen. By a highly dramatic incident Adelheid is at last miraculously 
rescued through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. Young Indies' 
Sodalities will find this and the following play specially suited to their 
needs. 

ST. ELIZABETH OF THURINGIA; or, the 

Miracle of Roses* A Legendary Drama in Five Acts, by 
ELIZABETH POLDING, Price, per Copy, 35 cents. Seven Copies 
for $1.50. 

CHARACTERS 

Elizabeth, Landgravine of Thurin- .* Kunigunde, A Peasant's Wife. 

gia. 4 '■ Trudchen, \ 

Sophie, Her Mother-in-law. 5 Gottlinde, J Mer ^ n!lclren ' 

Rosamund, Countess of Falkenstein. 4 » Gertrude, 
Bertha, "j 4 j Adelind, 

Hading, > Ladies in Waiting. j \ Liebwarta, !- Poor Women. 

Emma, J 4 j Gerlind, 

The Castle-Bailiff. 4 1 Martha. J 

Wiborad, Maid-Servant, j ; 

A Messenger, A Hermit, An Angel, The Empress, A Herald, Young 
Girls Clad. in White, Etc. 

St. Elizabeth, beloved by the poor, whom she feeds and clothes, is 
persecuted by her cruel and ambitious mother-in-law, who plots to 
obtain Elizabeth's crown. The bailiff, Sophie's tool, is employed to 
watch Elizabeth's steps, but when he accuses her of having stolen the 
food which she gives to the poor, the contents of her basket is found 
to be miraculously turned into beautiful roses. The empress, hearing 
of Sophie's treachery, comes to Elizabeth's assistance, re-instates her to 
power and punishes Sophie. The play is full of dramatic incident. 



HARD OF HEARING* Comedy In one Act for Young 
Ladles, by OLGA STEINER. Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Threa 
Copies for 50 cents. 

Characters 



DAISY, Directress pro temp, } Pupils of 

LOU, Niece of Mrs. Everett, Y Mrs. Everett's 
Rose, New Pupil. ) Boarding School. 



Mrs. Everett has appointed Daisy directress pro temp, during her 
absence, much to the chagrin of Iyou, who by virtue of her relation- 
ship, thinks herself entitled to that office. Daisy finds occasion to ad- 
monish Iyou. Just then Rose, a new pupil, arrives, and in order to get 
her revenge I,ou informs Rose that Daisy is quite deaf, telling Daisy 
the~same story about Rose. This results in very laughable efforts on 
part of each of these two, to make themselves understood by the other, 
both of them at the same time inwardly resenting the supposed rude- 
ness of the other. The play develops most comical situations and winds 
up with I,ou getting her just dues. 

THE SKELETON IN THE CLOSET, a comedy 

in One Act by FRANCIS LESTER. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. 

Five Copies for $1.00. 

CHARACTERS 

Mr. Smith, Senator. .* Doctor Alfred Brown. 

Beatrice, His Wife. ■? Mr. White, Lawyer. 

Livewell Jones, Merchant. 5 Mrs. Goodcheer, Mr. Jones' 

Anna, His Wife. 3j Housekeeper. 

Mr. Jones' Clerk. * 

Mr. Jones and his young bride return home from their wedding 
tour. Jones had not yet revealed to his wife the secret of the family 
skeleton and is in dread lest she discover it ; yet he has not the courage 
to speak to her about it. Meanwhile his wife hears queer rumors, 
which at first alarm her, but by tact, courage and confidence in her 
husband she discovers the very innocent little skeleton and all ends 
happily. 

HOUSEHOLD AFFAIRS; or, A Cause for Di- 
vorce A Comedy in One Act by JOSEPH ROSETTI. Price , 
per Copy, 30 cents. Four Copies for 75 cents. 

Characters 

Benedict Brown. £ Samuel Martin, \ Eugenia's 

EUGENIA, His Wife. * ISABELLA.His Wife. / Foster Parents. 

Benedict refuses flatly to allow his wife to take her parents into 
their home. The two ladies feel ^uch insulted at that, and Isabella 
advises Eugenia how to get cause for divorce by vexing Benedict to a 
degree that he would strike her, with Martin and his wife waiting in an 
adjoining room to be witnesses to the assault. When, however, they 



HOUSEHOLD AFFAIRS (Continued): 

would-be witnesses rush in at the sound of a blow, they are surprised 
by the fact that Eugenia, enraged at Benedict's coolness, has struck 
him. All ends in happiness, but Martin vows by himself to try the 
experiment with Isabella. Very witty dialogue and lively action. The 
play is always received with storms of applause. 

THE FORTUNE HUNTERS; ot f Lost and 

Found* Comedy in Two Acts. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five 
Copies for $1.00. 



.Characters. 



Mr. Barry O'Brief, Lawyer. 
Jacob Elderly, Of the Society of 

Friends. 
• Mr. Sawney Oatkake, Laird of 

Glencanniboy. 
Barney. 



Miss Honora;Devereux. 

Lady Kilcock. 

Molly, Honora's Maid. 

Captain Jack de Lacey. 

Sir Lancelot Bagnal. 

Mr. Andrew Merry, Honora's 

Guardian. 

Honora is besieged by many suitors, who, she fears, are attracted 
by her wealth. To test their faith she is going to tell them that her 
fortune was lost in a bank failure. She confides her plan to, Molly, 
who in turn gives the secret away to Barney, from whom Captain 
Lacey learns the story. The latter is much chagrined at being sus- 
pected with the rest, and when Honora apprises them all of her al- 
leged misfortune, he leaves her as well as her other suitors, much to the 
grief of Honora, who is really in love with him. In a cleverly worked 
succession of events the lovers meet again with the usual end. Barney 
and Mollie furnish some highly amusing scenes. 

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY, comedy in 

Four Acts. (Male Characters.) By RUPERT HOUSE. Price, per 
Copy, 30 cents. Five Copies for $1.00. 

CHARACTERS 

Mr. Strong, Retired Gentleman. ^ First Customer. 

Charles, His Nephew. 

HARRY, Charles' Friend. 

Mr. Buckley, 1 Of Adams & Buck- 

MR. ADAMS ' ley, Dry Goods. ■£ 

Charles, an honest young fellow, carries his love of truth beyond 
prudent limits, despite his friend's protestations. This leads to a wager 
that Charles will yet suffer the direst consequences for his imprudent 
actions. Harry's prophecy comes true, as Charles is in turn disin- 
herited "by his uncle, discharged by his employers, discarded by his 
fiancee, and on the point of being taken to a Lunatic Asylum, when res* 
cued by Harry, who explains all. The affair ends to everybody's sat- 
isfaction and Charles is re-instated in all his rights. 



I Second Customer. 
I Physician, j 
• Policeman. 



A WEB OF LIES. A Coiaedy in One Act by JOHN EDG 

COME. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five Copies for $1.00. 

Characters 

Henry Clay, Retired Merchant. j| Euphrosine, Clay's Aunt. 
Anna, His Wife. % Leo Miller, the Family Physician. 

Eliza, Her Friend. j» John Stone. 

Elmira Green. 
Eliza visits her friend, Mrs. Anna, and in order to be guarded 
against would-be suitors, she is introduced by Mrs. Anna as a married 
woman. This necessitates a succession of untruths to make good the 
first one. When Eliza falls in love with the doctor the situation be- 
comes as embarrassing for her t as amusing for the audience. At last 
she is disentangled from the Web of I^ies, the end being the usual en- 
gagement. 

PLEASANT WEDDING GUESTS, a Comedy m 

Three Acts by FANNY RITCHIE. Price, per Copy, 30 cents. Five 

Copies for $1.00. 

CHARACTERS 

Benjamin Strong, Mayor. * Thomas, Their Son. 

Mary, His Wife. J John Hill, of Forest Hill, Adiron- 

Elizabeth, !«,..-. _ H dacks. 

ANNA. |The,r Daughters. | Mrs . GooDENOUGH . 

Mr. Hopper. 
The Mayor's daughter is to be married, when an aunt of Mr. 
Strong, a peevish old maid, and an aged uncle of the bridegroom make 
unexpectedly their appearance as wedding guests. They succeed in 
making themselves a grievous nuisance. At length they recognize 
each other as old friends, and the old uncle is skillfully led by the 
susceptible spinster to propose marriage to her. A very amusing 
comedy. 

THE NEW SQUIRE. Comedy In One Act. By FRANCIS 
McENROE. Price, per Copy, 35 cents. Five Copies lor'JSi.zs. 

CHARACTERS 

Baron of Bergen. j| Fred, His Ward and Nephew. 

Francis, His Valet. J HerMAN ' *- Peasants 

The Mayor. £ Conrad, * 

Peasants. 
The Baron of Bergen, while on the way to take possession of a large 
domain, fallen to him by inheritance, is detained and sends his valet 
ahead. The peasants of the domain mistake the valet for the Baron. 
The valet vastly flattered and pleased at the honors offered him, keeps 
up the delusion, and brings about a pretty state of affairs, when at the 
critical moment, the impostor is unmasked by the arrival of the real 
Baron- 



THE DAWN OF REDEMPTION; or, The 

AdoratiOtt of the Magfi KingfS. A Christmas Play 
in Four Acts by ELIZABETH POLDING. Price, per Copy. 30 
cents. Eight Copies for $1.50, 



.Characters. 



Gaspard, 1 .... „ , _ A First Shepherd. 
., Wise Men from the a ,, 

MELCHIOR, h Pa t * SECOND SHEPHERD. 

Balthasar, j ' i Go as, A Singer. 

The Virgin Mary. * Slave. 

Saint Joseph . ■? Fi rst Jew. 

The Infant Jesus. X Second Jew. 

The King Herod. % Shepherds, Judges, High 

The King's Favorite Page. •# Priests, Guards, Angels, 

The Angel Gabriel. 5 Populace. 

A Christmas Play, which is somewhat more pretentious than the 
general run of what is offered under this name. It has a clever plot 
and interesting dialogue, and is interspersed with vocal and instru- 
mental (Piano) selections, the vocal numbers to be sung to appropriate 
music. The Court of King Herod, the Magi Kings and their train 
of followers, afford opportunities of staging the play with much 
splendor. Withal it also adapts itself effectively to moderate re- 
sources. 



French Plays. 



Persons in charge of Institutes and Young Ladies' Circles, must be familiar 
with the difficulty of meeting with short French plays, fitted in all respects to 
be read or acted by young ladies. The publishers have been induced to publish 
afew plays that will be found to be just as suitable for acting, as for reading 
with divided parts in French classes. 

SUZANNE. Com£die en un Acte. Price, per Copy, 40 cents. Six 
Copies for $1.50, 

PERSONNA GES 

Mme. Belesmes. £ AGATHE, Cousine d* Elisa. 

Mme. Dervieux, Niece de Mme. # DAME Gertrude, Vieille Gouver- 

Belesmes. & nante. 

ELISA, Fille de Mme. Dervieux. % 

LA DEMOISELLE DE COMPAGNIE. cwdieen 

unActe. Price per Copy , 40 cents. Six Copies for $1.50. 

PERSONNAGES 

MftVE. DB KERADEC. £ MME. Mitonnet, Portiere. 

MLLE ROSALIE, Vieille Femme de ^ CLAIRE, Jeune Femmede Chambre. 
Chambre. * MARIE de Keradec 

ROSALBA. 

(Mme. Mitonnet speaks her part in the Briton dialect.) 



Operettas* 



A PEACEFUL ASSAULT. 

Musical Comedy for Boys, in One Act. 

By GEORGE ATHERTON. 

Price, per Copy, Words and Music 50 cents. 



.CHARACTERS.. 



.# Letter Carriers, Policemen, 
Dobston. Mayor of Mokitoville. * Cadets, Chorus-Boys, Fire- 

John, His Servant. J men, A Drum and Fife Corps. 

The Mayor is candidate for a higher office and his subjects surprise 
him by waiting upon him in delegations, to assure him of their loyalty 
and support. This comedy is specially suited for schools and colleges 
having at disposal a large number of boys. The music is original, 
easy and melodious. The various delegations marching in to the 
strains of music, or singing spirited songs, present a pretty spectacle. 
A very amusing entertainment. 



A COMEDY OF ERRORS; 
or, The Cousin and the Maid* 

An Operetta for Young Ladies, in One Act. 

By GEORGE ATHERTON. 

Price, per Copy, Words and Music 50 cents. 



.CHARACTERS.. 



Anna is entrusted with the reigns of the household during her 
mother's absence. Both, a cousin, whom she has not met before, and 
the new servant girl, are due just that day, and Anna is unfortunate 
enough in taking one for the other. The situations are highly comicaL 
The music is easy and pleasing. 

THE DAWN OF REDEMPTION. 

(See page 9) 



School and College Plays , 



The stage has at all times been looked upon as a school of morals and the 
lessons conveyed by the proceedings on the stage, leave deep and lasting impres- 
sions. We may then conclude t hat children' s plays, having so much attraction 
and fascination/ "or young audiences, and affecting deeply their minds, afford 
an excelle?it means of moral instruction and education. 

Our purpose in publishing a number of children's plays is to supply 
material which will help to impress little hearts and minds with filial love, 
respect of parents and superiors, generosity toward the weak and humble, 
politeness towards all, patriotism, charity, the sense of duty, and with a true 
understanding of the necessity of work. 

The moral is hmvever not so pointed as to render the plays dull, cm the 
contrary, THE PLOTS ARE CLEVER, THE DIALOGUES BRIGHT, the 
language simple but refined, and the interest well sustained. The plays are 
not above the ability and skill of 'the pupils, and have stood the test of perform- 
ance with success ; they are NEW AND ORIGINAL. 

Note i. The age, indicated with a character, is a suggestion as to age of 
child suited for the part. 

Note 2. In every play any number of children may be added for effective 
grouping, etc. 



FOUR SHORT PLAYS FOR CHILDREN. ByELu 

KEATINGE. Price, per Copy 50 cents. 



J. The Little Magician. 

CHARACTERS 

The Magician (Age 12). 
Little Tom (Age 5). 
A Number of Little Boys and Girls, 
ages from 6 to 10. 

2, The Sick Doll. 

CHARACTERS 

Josephine, The Mother (Age 9). 
Anna, The Nurse (Age 7). 
The Doctor (Age 8). 
Victoria, The Doll. 



\ 3. The Nightingale and the 
^ Lark. 

i CHARACTERS 

I The Nightingale (Age 8). 

J The Lark (Age 7). 

J Several Children, Ages from 6 to $., 

I 4. A Christmas Eve Ar : 
venture. 

CHARACTERS,,.... 

I Jones, A Barber (Age n). 

\ Mrs. Jones (Age 10). 

\ Clerk (Age 9). 

I Doctor (Age 13). 

\ Lady Customer (Age is). 



AT THE FIRE SIDE % or, Little Bird Blue. 

A Play for Children in Three Acts. By ELIZABETH POLDING. 
Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies, 50 cents. 



. CHARACTERS.. 



Aunt Rachel, (Age 12). . & Elizabeth ,Her Grand-niece (Age 7.) 

Robert, Her Grand-nephew (Age 6). ® Postman (Age 9). 
Peter, A Servant (Age 9)., 
The curtain rises upon a pretty scene, Aunt Rachel seated in an 
easy chair, Robert at her feet reading aloud from a book, Elizabeth 
dressing her doll. The children get tired of all this and torment 
Auntie to tell them one of her own stories. The postman brings a let- 
ter from father. Meanwhile Peter makes himself a general nuisance 
in a very amusing manner. Altogether a lovely picture of family life. 

THE LITTLE DAUGHTER OF THE REGI- 
MENT. A Play for Children. In Two Acts. By JOSEPH 
ROSETTI. Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Five Copies for 75 cents. 

CHARACTERS 

Virginia, The Little Daughter of the Ji Lieutenant Wood, of Roosevelt's 

Regiment (Age 8). **£ Rough Riders (Age 13) 

Tom, Drummer Boy (Age 7). Jf Bernard, A Farmer (Age 14) 

Some Farmers and Their Wives. H Ursula, his Wife (Age 13) 

Virginia, when a baby, was picked up by lieutenant Wood after a 
skirmish with Indians, left by them at the roadside. Kver since she 
has been with the soldiers, and is now with them on the way to Santi- 
ago. The troop halts for the night, and Virginia, Wood and Tom find 
lodging with Farmer Bernard. The farmer tells them of his only son 
who died a soldier's death while fighting the Indians. In a cleverly 
worked and touching climax it develops that Virginia is Bernard's 
granddaughter. A very effective tableau with singing concludes the 
play. 

THE OLD TRUNK IN THE GARRET. 

A Play for Children. In Two Acts. By ELLA KEATINGE. 
Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies, 50 cents. 

CHARACTERS...... 

Mrs. Schuyler, Mother of the 4| Andrew, 

Children (Age 14). |r Richard, 

Julia, Nurse (Age 12). J£ Emily, 

Little Joe, (Age 5.) J» Anna 

The children sit together on a rainy day, much disappointed ; ._at 
the promised outing had to be postponed. .They do not know how to 
pass the time, until one happens to think of the old trunk in the gar- 
ret, which contains old costumes, relics of their ancestors. Mother 
gives permission to fetch down the trunk, and a jolly masquerade fol» 
lows, kittle Joe, who furnishes much fun, is transformed into a dear 
little page. The play ends with a very pretty tableau. 



Mrs. Schuyler's Child- 
ren (Ages from 8 
to 10.) 



IN THE FOREST* A Play for. Children. In Three Acts. By 
JOSEPH ROSETTI. 

Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies, 50 cents 

CHARACTERS 

Ella (Age 7). * Alice, His Daughter (Age 8). 

Joseph (Age 8). -jg Mrs. Brown, Grandmother of Alice 

A Forester ) Age 10). f) (Age 13). 

Mr. Brown (Age 12). %. Mary, The Maid (Age 9). 

Ella and Joseph, two poor children, are gathering firewood in the 
forest, when the forester comes across them, and drags them along to 
his master, Mr. Brown. Mrs. Brown and Alice take pity on the child- 
ren and comfort them. Upon learning of the destitute condition of 
the poor children's mother, a widow, Mr. Brown arranges that care 
be taken of mother and children, and all, even the grim old forester, 
join in showing them their sympathy. A touching play, supplying an 
excellent lesson in practical charity. 

THE LITTLE BAKER, A Play for Children in Two 
Acts. By ELLA KEATINGE. Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three 
Copies, 50 cents. 

CHARACTERS 

Baker (Age 9). £ Two Little Boys, 1 ,. , . , 

Nurse (Age 10). I Two Little Girls, J (Ages 6 and ?) 

The little baker is making dough, the while he explains his fond- 
ness for baking. The nurse comes in, ordering cake for a children's 
party. The party is however sorely disappointed through the little 
baker's fondness for cake. When at last the cake arrives, in a very 
unsatisfactory condition, the wretched little baker frankly confesses 
his fault, and is finally forgiven. The party winds up with singing. 

THE LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS 

TREE, A Play for Children in Three Acts. By ELLA KEAT- 
INGE. Price, per Copy, 25 cents. Three Copies for 50 cents. 

CHARACTERS 

JOSEPH, An Aged Shoemaker (Age £ JACK, His Little Grand-son (Age 8). 

12). * LouiSA,HisGrand-daughter(Age7). 

MARTHA, A Neighbor (Age 10). 

Joseph and Martha are worried about the long absence of the 
children on a cold winter evening. At length the children arrive, 
having some surprises for the old man from kind iriends. Joseph 
tells the children of olden Christmas times and Christmas customs. 
In the second act the children tell each other their dreams about a 
little Christmas tree. Joseph is meanwhile secretly fixing up a tree 
for them, and when on Christmas morning the children come home 
from church they find Santa Claus has left them a beautiful little tree, 
around which all gather and sing tuneful Christmas Carols, 



"A TREASURE TROVE FOR TEACHERS." 

The Ave Maria, 

"AMUSING AND EXCELLENT/' 

The Catholic News. 



NEW MUSICAL DRILLS 

AND 

HUMOROUS ACTION SONGS 

For BOYS and GIRLS. 



Suitable Words. Pleasing Airs, Full Directions and Diagrams, 

NOVEL, AMUSING, AND EFFECTIVE. 
For Schools and Entertainments. 



ARRANGED BY RICHARD HARDMAN. 
Price, Complete, $1.00. 

TOPSY-TURVY SONG, — A Novel and Pleasing Action 

Song and Drill. 
THE MIRROR DRILL,— Musical Exercise. 
MY UNCLE'S FARM,— Humorous Action Song, with 

Chorus. 
OUR BOOTBLACK BRIGADE, — Character Song, with 

Chorus. 
UNCLE SAM'S LITTLE DRUM-BOYS-Character Song, 

with Action and Chorus. 
INDIAN CLUB DRILL, OR TAMBOURINE DRILL. 
LITTLE LETTER CARRIERS,— Humorous Action Song, 

with Chorus. 
THE CHILDREN'S FROLIC,— Vocal Gavotte, Chorus and 

Dance. 
THE PEDLAR,— Amusing Character Sketch, Action Song 

and Chorus. 
THE MERRY DAIRYMAIDS, — Character Song, with 

Action and Chorus. 
OUR BABY,— Musical Recitation for very little Children, 

Solo and Chorus. 
RECESS DRILL,— Humorous and Lively. 
MUSICAL FLAG DRILL, OR FAN DRILL. 
THE RAINBOW RIBBON DRILL. 
UNCLE 5AM'S JOLLY TARS,— Action Song, with Chorus. 



NEW MUSieftL DRILLS 

AND 

HUMOROUS ACTION SONGS 

For BOYS and GIRLS. 
FOR SCHOOLS AND~ENTKRTAINMENTS. 

Arranged by RICHARD HARDMAN. 
Price, 01 .00. 



Uncle Sam's Jolly Taf s, 

vA Action Song with Chorus for Boys or Girlft 




"Our Baby." 

ftfigSr (Recitation, Solo with Clionis> 
^^ Directions. 

The Recitation and Solo should be taken by as small agirl as possible.^ 

The Chorus refrain should be sung very softly throughout, and is most 
effective when unaccompanied. , , 

If only two parts are available, the I s - 1 and 2nd treble parts should be; 
taken,, with the exception of the last two bars, when the 2nd trebles 
6houId take the two oars given in the copy to the contraltos. In this case 
the piano should be used. 

The spirit of the words will readily .suggest-to the teachertfce"way" iff 
Which the piece should be said. 

I. 

iJltcHe-You havn't seen our baby yet, he's not been out I know. 
He only came quite lately, just about a month ago,- 
But he's such a little beauty, with a pretty dimpled chin, 
His eves are blue as can be, and so soft and white Jus skiflj'i 
y brother, and I'm very very glad. 



And often when lin noisy, I c 



Teep all day, , 
,r my mother say; 



VOICE. 


Bfe 


Smoothly. 
SOLO. 






| J J 'J'] 


W 


j r r r 


soft- ly. ba-bys a . 


sleep, 


Peace-ful - ly 


PIANO.] 




-f^f — 


_Lp Yf—f 


■ f 


-r r r-i 


( 




i A - 


1 [ j i r 







Jl?e Wizard Series 



pn 

017 400 568 



PLAYS 



Plays for Young I^adies. 
Plays fo% Children. 
French Plkys. 
Operettas. \ 



Plays for Young Men. 
Pljiys for Mixed Characters* 
Musical Drills and 
Recitations, 



For Young People's Societies, Drani'atic and Singing Clubs, 
Churches, Schools and Institutions. 



'♦* 



PUBLISHED BY 

Che Roxbury Publishing €o. 

7 BIBLE HOUSE (Fourth Ave.) 

NEW YORK. 



P. O. Box 1 870. 



The Plays published by us are new and copyrighted, they can be 
staged easily and effectively in any hall or parlor. They are for the most 
part of humorous tendency, full of entertainment, and will if tolerably well 
acted, delight any audience. 

Strict PROPRIETY and REFINEMENT are essentials without which 
no play is admitted to the WIZARD SERIES. Nothin- in the least offensive 
to morals, or religious convictions, will be found in any of these plays. 

In order to save the TROUBLESOME COPYING OF PARTS, and 
to allow of convenient, correct and easy memorizing, a small number of copies, 
corresponding to the number of principal characters, is offered of each play at 
a REDUCED PRICE. In no other way or form can any reduction be made 
ofi the prices in this list. 

THOSE WHO RECEIVE EXTRA CATALOGUES, KINDLY HAND THEM 
TO FRIENDS. 



